Summer 2026 Production Assistant (PA) Training Application

  • Summer 2026 Production Assistant (PA) Training Application

    This intensive 4-week course will provide you with the tools you need to become a successful PA, the most entry-level role in video production. In addition, you'll get to practice these skills with the opportunity to PA on a live video production at the end of training!

  • Description

    BAVC Media will be offering a slate of occupation-based trainings to help emerging media makers learn the essentials required for different roles in the industry. We're starting off with a Production Assistant (PA) training, the most entry-level position in video production. You'll get an overview of how film productions work, the key skills needed to PA successfully, and build close relationships with your cohort peers and instructors.

  • Deadline to apply is Monday, June 22 at 11:59PM PT. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

    Please note there is a fee to participate. However, accessibility is important to us, and we will be offering the fee on a sliding scale to ensure nobody is turned away due to financial hardship. See more below.

    Offerings & Structure

    • Eight (8) people will be selected to train as production assistants over the course of 3 Saturdays in July. All trainings are in-person in Oakland, CA. After completing training, trainees will PA on a video production on August 1 & 2.
    • Each fellow will emerge from the program with expanded knowledge about roles on set, how film production is conducted, enhanced skills, expanded portfolios, and strong connections to new mentors and peers. 
    • Two mentors with substantial professional filming experience will offer hands-on guidance and BAVC Media’s Advanced Training staff will provide program oversight.
    • The course includes a mixture of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice with equipment, including site visits to local companies to complete practice.
    • The course is meant to be interactive, working collaboratively with the instructor and peers to understand how each department functions on set. PAs are not just folks who grab coffee or set up craft services - they are essential in moving a production forward efficiently and will thus receive basic training to assist in multiple departments.
    • By the end of training, each participant in the program should be able to step into any area and serve as an apprentice to the craftspeople responsible for delivering the services of several departments: Production Office Management, Line Producer/UPM/Set Producer, Camera, Lighting, Grip, etc.

    Primary Outputs

    • Set & Safety Literacy: PAs learn on-set protocols, safety procedures, and industry-standard terminology, enabling them to operate confidently and professionally in fast-paced production environments.
    • Communication & Coordination Skills: Training covers how to effectively relay information between departments, manage walkie-talkie etiquette, and support ADs (Assistant Directors) in keeping the production running on schedule.
    • Logistics & Errands Management: PAs develop the ability to handle runs, manage basecamp, coordinate talent movement, and juggle multiple time-sensitive tasks simultaneously.
    • Departmental Awareness: Trainees gain exposure to how different departments (camera, grip, electric, art, etc.) interact, giving them a broader understanding of the production ecosystem.
    • Professional Conduct & Set Etiquette: PAs learn the unwritten rules of the industry: when to speak, when to stay out of the way, how to take direction, and how to build a reputation as reliable and resourceful.

    Eligibility & Criteria

    • All applicants should be interested in pursuing an area of film production in a cohort-type environment
    • The fellowship aims to serve as a brief introduction preparing adult participants to become entry-level crew members on independent productions or commercially as the next step on their path to sustainable video production careers.
    • Attention to detail, ability to communicate clearly and proactively, and a highly collaborative approach.
    • Availability to commit to 4 consecutive weekends of training/filming in July and early August.
    • Basic familiarity with camera operation and different roles on set.
    • Basic familiarity with video production equipment (e.g. tripods, mics, etc.)
    • Basic knowledge of pre-production.

    Expected Time Commitments

    • Training will occur mostly in July (on 3 Saturdays), culminating in a PA experience for a video production occurring on August 1 & 2. Wrap celebration to follow on a weeknight the following week.
    • Trainees will meet for 6 hours each training session, from 9:30am to 3:30pm in Oakland @ Oakstop (1721 Broadway)
    • On filming days, filming is expected to take 10 hours each day
    • Trainees are expected to be available in-person for the following weekends:
      • Saturday, July 11: In-person training in Oakland @ Oakstop
      • Saturday, July 18: In-person training in Oakland @ Oakstop
      • Saturday, July 25: In-person training in Oakland @ Oakstop
      • Saturday & Sunday, August 1-2: Filming in Oakland
      • Date TBD week of 8/3: Wrap celebration in Oakland
    • Attendance at all in-person activities is mandatory, otherwise your place in the cohort may be relinquished to another applicant

    Application Timeline

    • Monday, June 22 @ 11:59PM PT: Applications due, application will officially close at midnight
    • BAVC Media will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis
    • By July 1: Trainees will have been notified of acceptance into the program
    • By July 7: Trainees must confirm participation and pay for their participation
    • Saturday, July 11: First day of training

    Pricing

    • BAVC Media is committed to providing high quality training to everyone. Please see our sliding scale pricing structure below. All tiers receive the same training experience.
      • Full tuition/Tier 1 = $1500
      • Tier 2 = $1000
      • Tier 3 = $500
      • Tier 4 = <$500 or free
    • Proof of income may be requested to determine which tier applicant is eligible for.

    Have questions? Please email edu@bavc.org for support.

  • Applicant Information

    Please note that certain questions are required by our program funder and answers will not be disclosed elsewhere. An asterisk indicates your answer is required.
  • Date of Birth*
     - -
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Housing status (please choose one)*
  • Highest educational attainment (please choose one)*
  • Current employment status (please choose one)*
  • Video production experience (please choose one)*
  • Which of the following apply to you, background-wise? (Check all that apply)*

  • Eligibility Agreement

    To confirm your eligibility for this program please answer yes or no to the following questions. *This field is required.
  • I am 18+ years old.*
  • I plan on pursuing a career in video production.*
  • I am willing and able to participate in a collaborative learning environment with a close cohort.*
  • I understand that participation in this program will require a significant commitment of time (about 30 hours), over the course of 4 weekends.*
  • Have you participated in a BAVC Media program before?*
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